Two First Dates

Eddie

Your stomach is in knots as you step out of the shower into the steam-filled bathroom, wiping the mirror to catch a glimpse of yourself before it fogs over again. You don't recognize the person staring back.

How could you, of all people, be stuck in this situation? In some ways you were excited that both Eddie and Steve were interested in you...and in other ways you knew you would break one of their hearts. The pain in their eyes as they realize you chose someone else. That thought alone was instantly shattering.

Maybe you should cancel on Eddie. It would be easier that way, you tried convincing yourself.

It's not you, Eddie, it's me.

You decide against it, you did like Eddie and what if it did lead to something more. What if he was really the one for you? It was finally time to say yes to Eddie after saying no for all of these years. It was time to give Eddie a chance. An actual chance without the influence of Steve.

The doorbell rings as you finish putting on your lip gloss. Fixing the strands of hair that have fallen out of place. Giving yourself a little smile in your bedroom mirror as you look yourself over, trying to find some hidden message in your reflection. Sadly there was nothing - there was no signal or sudden realization that this decision was the correct one.

If this was the correct decision, why do you feel so horrible? Your heart beginning to weigh heavier as you make the short journey to the door. The beating increases, amplifying the growing anxiety of the night on the horizon and you were the fate maker.

Maybe you knew the answer but decided to ignore it.

Taking a breath, a moment, a pause to pull yourself together. You don't know why it took you so long to finally say yes but here you were, finger tightening on the door knob. A smile pulling on your lips as you watch Eddie fix himself on the other side of the stained glass window. The answer to your question suddenly becomes a little clearer.

The door opens quickly, catching Eddie by surprise. A breathy giggle escapes you as he fumbles over the sudden action.

Finally regaining his composure as he pushes the hair out of his face. Eddie looks different...looks nervous. His eyes down, his fingers playing with the ends of his jacket sleeves. He wasn't acting like the confident Eddie that you were used to. He looks cleaner than normal, still sloppily dressed but put together at the same time.

His lips twitching as he struggles to get out any words, "Wow," was all he could manage to muster out, taking his time as he looks you up and down. The heat rises directly to your cheeks, the soft swirls of reds and pinks surfacing under your foundation.

"You clean up nice yourself." Toying with the hem of your shirt as you both stand there awkwardly. A laugh being shared between you both before walking towards his van.

Something was definitely different. Maybe it was the way that Eddie held himself when he was around you. Maybe it's the pit in your stomach over how nervous you actually are to be here, finally going on a date with the Eddie Munson. You couldn't quite place your thoughts but the moment was definitely right.

The smile crept upon your lips as Eddie opened the door to his van. "Wow, Eddie, didn't know you were a gentleman," you playfully joke. His eyes fall to the side, avoiding yours, hues of red surfacing to his cheeks. He was blushing at your comment. Eddie Munson blushed at your comment and didn't say a witty or snarky remark back.

Your eyes follow his movement as he rounds the front of the van, knowing that he was probably cursing at himself for his awkward behavior.

He didn't realize the hold you had on him until you opened the front door. The sudden aroma of your strawberry scented perfume filling his nose, completely engulfed by your presence. He was undeniably obsessed with you.